In the early 1990s the City of Franklin was poised for change. With the approval of the Franklin mayor and common council, and in accordance with state law, the Franklin Redevelopment Commission (FRC) was formed around 1992. Its purpose: to guide economic development and infrastructure improvement with a long-term vision of community betterment.
Rob Schafstall, a lifelong Franklin resident and longtime city attorney, played a vital role in the FRC’s work for nearly three decades. Appointed by Mayor Herschel Cook, Schafstall served as the commission’s legal counsel under four different administrations – Mayors Cook, Norm Blankenship, Brenda Jones-Matthews and Fred Paris – providing consistent guidance through years of growth and transformation. He remained in the role until about a year ago, helping to shape the legal and strategic framework behind many of Franklin’s most impactful redevelopment efforts.
“The charm and feel of downtown Franklin today didn’t happen by accident,” Schafstall says. “It came from people and organizations working together with a shared goal of revitalizing this community.”
One of the FRC’s most transformative partnerships came with the creation of the Franklin Development Corporation (FDC) in 2008 and 2009. Formed in the aftermath of the devastating June 2008 flood and during a global economic downturn, the FDC was established as a public-private nonprofit with a clear mission: community betterment, primarily through economic development.
Guided by a strategic Position Statement, the FDC aimed to bridge the gap between public agencies and private organizations. It enabled the city to respond nimbly to crises while also pursuing long-term goals. In tandem, the FRC and FDC identified priorities, funded initiatives and provided the structure needed to carry out large-scale revitalization projects.
These efforts bore fruit in the form of grants, low-interest loans and creative financing mechanisms. Through these programs, dozens of historic buildings were restored, commercial facades brought back to life, and vacant lots transformed into usable public spaces. The crown jewel of this progress? Franklin’s beloved amphitheater – a once unimaginable amenity that now hosts year-round events and brings the community together. This transformative project was made possible in large part by the vision and determination of Fred Paris, whose leadership and belief in the potential of Franklin were instrumental in bringing the amphitheater to life.
“It’s not just about the buildings,” Schafstall reflects. “It’s about the people. I’m proud to have played a part in a moment when residents, city officials, business owners and volunteers all rallied to reimagine our city.”
Today Franklin’s downtown is thriving; its success a testament to decades of collaboration and smart investment. While the FRC may work behind the scenes, its impact is unmistakable, proving that remarkable transformation is possible when public and private interests unite under a shared vision.
In Schafstall’s words, “the FRC and FDC have become a model of what can be achieved when a city takes ownership of its future.” Franklin’s story is one of resilience, cooperation and the unwavering belief that we can build something better – together.”
